Guestbook, memorial fund established for noted trainer Shawn Tompkins

Following the death of noted MMA trainer Shawn Tompkins, a special guestbook has been established for those wishing to express their sympathies to Tompkins’ surviving family.

Additionally, Tompkins’ management team at AMR Group has established The Shawn Tompkins Memorial Fund, which is currently accepting contributions to assist with funeral services.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, Tompkins, just 37 years old at the time of his passing, died in his sleep on Aug. 14.

“Shawn was more than a client,” AMR Group’s founder and president Gary Ibarra stated in an official release. “His passion and vision for MMA was infectious, evident by how he could motivate his fighters to become better athletes and people.

“On behalf of AMR Group’s athletes and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Emilie (Tompkins), Sam (Stout) and Shawn’s entire family. His spirit will live on in our hearts.”

Those interested in contributing to Tompkins’ memorial fund can send an email to TeamTompkins@ShogunMMA.com. Further details on the memorial service will be announced at AMRGroup.tv.

Tompkins was in Canada, where he was helping longtime student Chris Horodecki prepare for his next bout, at the time of his passing. A Las Vegas memorial service is currently being planned.

Tompkins first emerged on the national MMA scene as a coach in the now-defunct International Fight League. He was first an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Anacondas and was later promoted to head coach after MMA legend Bas Rutten stepped down from the role to assume a commentator position. He later split with the company.

Tompkins then migrated to Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas and served as a coach there before splitting with the gym and joining the TapouT Training Facility.

The coach, who also competed professionally for a handful of fights a decade ago, nurtured the careers of several notable fighters in his career, including Horodecki, Sam Stout, Mark Hominick and John Gunderson.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.